Welcome to the October 2007 edition of Fantasy Book Critic's monthly SPOTLIGHT. Previous spotlights can be visited here: June 2007, July 2007, August 2007 + September 2007. Just a warning, but this spotlight is over twice as long as the others. Not sure if it’s because of Halloween, but October is overflowing with great releases. So whether you’re a fan of fantasy, science fiction, horror or YA, October 2007 is going to keep you busy :D As always, thanks for your support… (NOTE: Unless stated otherwise, all release dates are for the US):

“TheArrival” by Shaun Tan. Release Date: October 1, 2007. How does a book with no words tell a story? Check out Shaun Tan’s young adult graphic novel “The Arrival” for a perfect example. Initially released in 2006 in Australia, “The Arrival” relates the migration of one man’s heartbreaking journey to a new world in search of a better future for his family. Features stunning artwork from the multiple award-winning Mr. Tan who has already won two awards for “The Arrival”, which is destined to be a classic…Official Shaun Tan WebsiteArthur A Levine Book’s The Arrival PageOrder “The Arrival” HEREClick HERE For Information/Artwork on “The Arrival”Read Newsarama’sINTERVIEW With Shaun Tan

“Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians” by Brandon Sanderson. Release Date: October 1, 2007. In such novels as “Elantris”, “Mistborn: The Final Empire” and the recently released “The Well of Ascension” (August 2007), author Brandon Sanderson has been breathing new life into epic fantasy. With his latest book “Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians”, Mr. Sanderson turns to young adult fiction and introduces Alcatraz Smedry, “a hero with an incredible talent...for breaking things…”Official Brandon Sanderson WebsiteOrder “Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians” HERERead Chapter One + Chapter Two

“The Sword-Edged Blonde” by Alex Bledsoe. Release Date: October 1, 2007. Alex Bledsoe’s debut novel “The Sword-Edged Blonde” is the first in a series of Eddie LaCrosse Mystery books that is being marketed to fans of Glen Cook’s Garrett P.I. novels and anyone who loves Dashiell Hammet & Raymond Chandler. The book has received glowing blurbs from Orson Scott Card, David Drake, Charles de Lint & Virginia Baker who claims it’s “utterly unique, often hilarious and with moments of great heart…”Official Alex Bledsoe MyspaceOrder “The Sword-Edged Blonde” HERE

“The Awakened Mage” by Karen Miller. Release Date: October 1, 2007. Stunning conclusion to the Kingmaker, Kingbreaker Duology that began in last month’s “The Innocent Mage”, Karen Miller’s “The Awakened Mage” finds Prince Gar and Asher “caught up in a dangerous deception which threatens to tear apart the kingdom and destroy the fragile balance between Olken & Doranen. And no-one, not even Dathne and her secret Circle, is prepared for the consequences when the Innocent Mage is revealed at last...”Official Karen Miller WebsiteOrder “The Awakened Mage” HERERead An ExcerptHERERead REVIEWS of “The Awakened Mage” via The Fantasy Review + The Book Swede

“Betwixt” by Tara Bray Smith. Release Date: October 1, 2007. A graduate of both Dartmouth College and Columbia University’s School of the Arts, Tara Bray Smith impressed critics in 2005 with her memoir "West of Then: A Mother, a Daughter, and a Journey Past Paradise". In her new book “Betwixt”, Ms. Smith takes on YA and delivers “an electrifying fantasy novel that draws readers into a hidden world layered within our own reality, a world more challenging & complex than anything humans know…”Official Tara Bray Smith WebsiteOfficial Betwixt WebsiteOrder “Betwixt” HERE

“The Solitudes” by John Crowley. Release Date: October 2, 2007. Mr. Crowley's Ægypt series is considered a landmark in contemporary fiction and helped the author earn the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters Award for Literature. Now, following the May 2007 release of the final book in the series (Endless Things), Overlook is bringing the entire tetralogy back into print. Completely revised by the author, “The Solitudes” (1987) opens a series “that will certainly take its place amongst the great books of our time…”Official John Crowley LiveJournalOrder “The Solitudes” HERE

“The Shadow Speaker” by Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu. Release Date: October 2, 2007. In 2005, Nigerian writer/professor Dr. Okorafor-Mbachu made a strong first impression with her YA debut novel “Zarah the Windseeker” (shortlisted for the 2005 Parallax, Kindred & Golden Duck Awards), a delightful blend of fantasy, science fiction and ethnic culture. Set in the same universe, but a standalone story, “The Shadow Speaker” is “an adventure worthy of Harry Potter, told from a new and intriguing part of the world…”Official Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu WebsiteOfficial Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu BlogOrder “The Shadow Speaker” HERE

“Not Flesh Nor Feathers” by Cherie Priest. Release Date: October 2, 2007. A standalone sequel to “Four and Twenty Birds” (2005) and “Wings” to the Kingdom” (2006), “Not Flesh Nor Feathers” once again stars medium Eden Moore in another harrowing tale of mystery, Southern Gothic horror and supernatural action. Ms. Priest is also a reviewer for Chiaroscuro, has written “Dreadful Skin” (Subterranean Press-2007) & other short fiction, and has two more novels forthcoming from Tor (Fathom, Awake Into Darkness)…Official Cherie Priest WebsiteOfficial Cherie Priest LiveJournalOrder “Not Flesh Nor Feathers” HERE

“Ha'penny” by Jo Walton. Release Date: October 2, 2007. Winner of the 2002 John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer and the World Fantasy Award for “Tooth and Claw” (2003), Jo Walton is also the author of the acclaimed alternate history whodunit novel “Farthing”. In “Ha’penny”, the sequel to “Farthing”, Ms. Walton “continues her alternate history of an England that could have been, with a novel that is both an homage of the classic detective novels of the thirties & forties, and an allegory of the world we live in today…”Official Jo Walton WebsiteOfficial Jo Walton LiveJournalOrder “Ha’penny” HERE

“Extras” by Scott Westerfeld. Release Date: October 2, 2007. Specializing in YA SF/fantasy, Mr. Westerfeld’s bibliography includes the New York Times-bestselling Uglies trilogy. A companion piece to the series, “Extras” is described so: "The world of uglies, pretties, and specials is over. Now it's all about fame. In Extras, everyone's social status is constantly monitored & rated. It's like a gigantic worldwide game of American Idol, where everyone knows how famous you are. And anyone can be a celebrity in an instant…"Official Scott Westerfeld WebsiteOrder “Extras” HERERead An ExcerptHERERead An Interview with Scott WesterfeldHEREFYI: Though new information is scarce, the Uglies series has been optioned for film adaptation by 20th Century Fox and producer John Davis (I, Robot, Aliens vs. Predator).

“When All Seems Lost” by William C. Dietz. Release Date: October 2, 2007. Bestselling novelist of more than thirty titles including tie-ins to Star Wars, the wildly popular videogame franchise Halo, and Hitman, William C. Dietz is back with the seventh entry in the epic military SF series Legion of the Damned, which features a “mission that will determine humanity's future in a galaxy full of unpredictable enemies.” Publisher’s Weekly calls it “jam-packed with intrigue, deep space adventure and futuristic combat…”Official William C. Dietz WebsiteOrder “When All Seems Lost” HERE

“Postsingular” by Rudy Rucker. Release Date: October 2, 2007. Professor (math, computer science), programmer, writer; Rudy Rucker is all of these and then some with his first book, a nonfiction on geometry, published in 1977. Since then, Mr. Rucker has released numerous works of nonfiction, short stories and science fiction including the Ware Tetralogy which won two Philip K. Dick Awards, as well as developing his own subgenre “Transrealism”. “Postsingular” continues the author’s distinct blend of hard SF and zaniness…Official Rudy Rucker WebsiteOrder “Postsingular” HEREClick HERE for more “Postsingular” Information

“Servant: The Awakening” by L. L. Foster. Release Date: October 2, 2007. Better known as romance novelist Lori Foster, a Waldenbooks, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly and New York Times-bestselling author of over 65 titles and recipient of the 2001 Romantic Times "Career Achievement Award" for Series Romantic Fantasy, the writer is adopting the moniker L. L. Foster as she branches out into urban fantasy with “Servant: The Awakening”, which features demon slayer heroine Gaby Cody…Official L. L. Foster WebsiteOfficial Lori Foster WebsiteOrder “Servant: The Awakening” HERERead ExcerptsHERE + HEREWatch the “Servant: The Awakening” Book VideoHERE

“Fatal Revenant” by Stephen R. Donaldson. Release Date: October 9, 2007. With the classic First and Second Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Unbeliever, author Stephen R. Donaldson established himself as one of the most distinguished writers in fantasy literature. Over twenty years after the completion of the second Covenant trilogy, “The Runes of the Earth” (2004) was released heralding the start to The Last Chronicles tetralogy. “Fatal Revenant” is the highly anticipated second volume in the new series…Official Stephen R. Donaldson WebsiteOrder” Fatal Revenant” HERERead ExcerptsHERE, HERE (Chapter 1) + HERE (Chapter 2)Read Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist’sReview of “Fatal Revenant” HERE

“World Without End” by Ken Follett. Release Date: October 9, 2007. A writer of spy/espionage thrillers, historical fiction and techno-thrillers, Ken Follet is best known for the historical novel “The Pillars of the Earth” (1989). Now, with over 90 million readers worldwide, Mr. Follet is releasing the long-awaited sequel to his most popular book. Kirkus Reviews describes “World Without End” as “A lively entertainment for fans of The Once and Future King, The Lord of the Rings and other multilayered epics…”Official Ken Follett WebsiteOrder “World Without End” HERERead An ExcerptHERE

“Emissary” by Fiona McIntosh. Release Date: October 9, 2007. Yet another Australian novelist (Sean Williams, Karen Miller, Joel Shepherd, etc.) trying to make it here in the US, Fiona McIntosh’s works include two completed trilogies (Trinity, The Quickening), children’s books (Shapeshifters, the upcoming “The Whisperer”) and her current series The Percheron Saga. “Emissary” is the second book in the current trilogy, following "Odalisque" (March 2007), and will be completed with the forthcoming “Goddess”…Official Fiona McIntosh WebsiteOfficial Fiona McIntosh MyspaceOrder “Emissary” HERE

“Grimpow: The Invisible Road” by Rafael Ábalos. Release Date: October 9, 2007. Already a #1 Bestseller in Spain & Italy, as well as being sold in 27 countries, Rafael Ábalos’ first book for young readers, the acclaimed “Grimpow: The Invisible Road”, is being published in English for the first time. “Set amongst a historical accurate 14th century European backdrop, the tale unfurls amid war, kings, popes and jousts only to be juxtaposed with a fantastical world of magic, visions and supernatural abilities…”Order “Grimpow: The Invisible Road” HERERead An ExcerptHERE

“20th Century Ghosts” by Joe Hill. Release Date: October 16, 2007. Originally released in 2005 (PS Publishing) in limited circulation, the multiple award-winning (Bram Stoker, British Fantasy, International Horror Guild, Ray Bradbury Fellowship) short-story collection “20th Century Ghosts” by up-and-coming writer Joe Hill—son of the Master of Horror Stephen King and author of the New York Times-bestselling debut novel “Heart-Shaped Box” (2007)—is finally available to readers everywhere…Official Joe Hill WebsiteOfficial Joe Hill MyspaceOrder “20th Century Ghosts” HERE

“The Almost Moon” by Alice Sebold. Release Date: October 16, 2007. Because of the overwhelming success enjoyed by Alice Sebold’s first fiction novel “The Lovely Bones” (2002) – New York Times Bestseller with nearly three million copies sold in the US alone; selected for Good Morning America’s Bookclub; being adapted into a film by Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings, King Kong), et cetera – I’m pretty interested to see how her new novel “The Almost Moon” fares…Steven Barclay Agency’s Alice Sebold PageOrder “The Almost Moon” HERERead An ExcerptHERE

“A Sword From Red Ice” by J.V. Jones. Release Date: October 16, 2007. Long in the making, “A Sword From Red Ice”, the third volume in the Sword of Shadows saga by J.V. Jones—author of the USA Today Bestselling Book of Words trilogy and “The Barbed Coil”—is finally coming out to continue “an unforgettable tale of ambition, betrayal, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.” “A Sword From Red Ice” is an “epic fantasy of enormous scope, set on a world peopled by fascinating, compelling characters…”Official J.V. Jones WebsiteOrder “A Sword From Red Ice” HERERead The PrologueHERE

“The Merchants’ War” by Charles Stross. Release Date: October 16, 2007. Science fiction meets fantasy meets alternate history meets crime/mystery in The Merchant Princes, an ongoing series by Charles Stross that won the 2006 Sidewise Award for Alternate History. “The Merchants’ War” is the fourth volume in the saga following “The Family Trade” (2004), “The Hidden Family” (2005) & “The Clan Corporate” (2006), and continues the story of reporter Miriam Beckstein. Expect at least two more volumes in the series…Official Charles Stross WebsiteOrder “The Merchant’s War” HERE

“God’s Demon” by Wayne Barlowe. Release Date: October 16, 2007. Following in the footsteps of Mark J. Ferrari, Wayne Barlowe (Hellboy, Harry Potter, Blade 2, Babylon 5) is a noted SF/fantasy artist who’s turning his visionary talents to literature. Inspired by his artbooks Barlowe’s Inferno and Brushfire: Illuminations from the Inferno, “God’s Demon” is an epic novel “exploring a fallen angel’s personal quest for redemption in a work so sweeping and intricate that it has been compared to Milton’sParadise Lost…”Official Wayne Barlow WebsiteOrder “God’s Demon” HERE

“Eat the Dark” by Joe Schreiber. Release Date: October 16, 2007. “Moving at breakneck speed, Joe Schreiber’s new novel sets readers off on an even scarier ride than his acclaimed, chilling debut, Chasing the Dead (2006)” Romantic Times says Eat the Dark “packs a powerful punch as an alien force takes on sinister paranormal tones in this terrifying drama. In the tradition of Stephen King, Schreiber takes a seemingly innocuous plot premise and turns it into a psychological thrill ride of immense proportions…”Official Joe Schreiber BlogOfficial Joe Schreiber MyspaceOrder “Eat the Dark” HERE

“A Companion To Wolves” by Sarah Monette & Elizabeth Bear. Release Date: October 16, 2007. Featuring the impressive pairing of Sarah Monette (author of The Doctrine of Labyrinth series, John W. Campbell Award nominee) and Elizabeth Bear (2005 John W. Campbell Award winner for Best New Writer; author of the Hammered trilogy, “Carnival”), “A Companion to Wolves is the story of a young nobleman, Isolfr, who is chosen to become a wolfcarl – a warrior who is bonded to a fighting wolf…”Official Sarah Monette Website

“Let Me In” by John A. Lindqvist. Release Date: October 16, 2007. “Already sold in ten countries, Let Me In (a Swedish bestseller originally published in 2004) introduces a startling new talent from Sweden whose work is creating an international sensation. John Ajvide Lindqvist has been compared to such top horror writers as Anne Rice, Clive Barker, Neil Gaiman, Whitley Strieber, and last but certainly not least, Stephen King.” Let Me In is “a must for vampire fans, even those who think they’ve seen it all…”Official Thomas Dunne WebsiteOrder “Let Me In” HEREFYI: John A. Lindqvist’s debut novel was released in the UK August 2, 2007 under the title “Let the Right One In”.

“Air Apparent” by Piers Anthony. Release Date: October 16, 2007. For thirty years and counting, bestselling author Piers Anthony has been entertaining readers with his successful fantasy series Xanth, which has even resulted in a video game, a board game, and film adaptation—“A Spell For Chameleon” (Volume 1). “Filled with exhilaration and excitement, ribaldry and romance, Air Apparent (Volume 31) is a fabulous new fantasy saga from the lively imagination of master storyteller Piers Anthony…”Official Piers Anthony WebsiteOrder “Air Apparent” HERE

“Bloodfever” by Karen Marie Moning. Release Date: October 16, 2007. With her beloved paranormal romance series Highlander, Karen Marie Moning appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists, and won numerous awards including the prestigious Rita Award for “The Highlander’s Touch” (2001). In the author’s new Fever series which began in “Darkfever” (2006), readers can expect “a seductive mix of Celtic mythology and dark, sexy danger” that continues in “Bloodfever”…Official Karen Marie Moning WebsiteOrder “Bloodfever” HERERead An ExcerptHERE

“Star Wars: Death Star” by Michael Reaves & Steve Perry. Release Date: October 16, 2007. “Thirty years ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the infamous Death Star was destroyed on silver screens around the world. Since then, Star Wars fans could only speculate on the creation of this monstrous technical behemoth. Now, in “Star Wars: Death Star”, veteran Star Wars authors Michael Reaves & Steve Perry finally tell the story of the largest weapon the Galactic Empire ever assembled, from the beginning to the explosive end…”Official Michael Reaves WebsiteOfficial Steve Perry WebsiteOrder “Star Wars: Death Star” HERE

“The Fade” by Chris Wooding. UK Release Date: October 18, 2007. Author of numerous novels & short stories including the Silver Smarties Award-winning “The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray”, Chris Wooding has also written two movie screenplays, both of which are in development, and is developing an original cartoon series. “With a beautiful baroque world, sharp characterization and Chris Wooding's trademark insight into the fantasy genre, the dawning of The Fade is an event more than worth waiting for…”Official Chris Wooding WebsiteOrder “The Fade” HERE

“The Queen of Bedlam” by Robert McCammon. Release Date: October 23, 2007. Another favorite of mine, three-time Bram-Stoker winner Robert McCammon (Swan Song, Boy’s Life) retired in the 90s before returning with 2002’s “Speaks the Nightbird”. “Now, Robert McCammon brings the hero of that spellbinding novel, Matthew Corbett, to eighteenth-century New York, where a killer wields a bloody and terrifying power over a bustling city carving out its identity—and over Matthew's own uncertain destiny…”Official Robert McCammon WebsiteOfficial Robert McCammon WebsiteOrder “The Queen of Bedlam” HERE

“A Lick of Frost” by Laurell K. Hamilton. Release Date: October 23, 2007. While Laurell K. Hamilton built her reputation with fifteen acclaimed Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels, the New York Times-Bestselling author has also enjoyed success with her other paranormal romance series. “In A Lick of Frost (Volume Six), the suspenseful and sexy saga of Meredith Gentry continues as her and her lovers are caught between the dark and light courts of faerie and human law and face a fate worse than death …”Official Laurell K. Hamilton WebsiteOfficial Laurell K. Hamilton MyspaceOrder “A Lick of Frost” HERERead Chapter One + Chapter Two

“Gentlemen of the Road” by Michael Chabon. Release Date: October 30, 2007. In the latest from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Michael Chabon (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay), the author “summons the rollicking spirit of legendary adventures—The Arabian Nights, Alexandre Dumas, Fritz Leiber’sFafhrd and the Gray Mouser—in a wonderful new novel brimming with breathless action, raucous humor, cliff-hanging suspense, and a cast of colorful characters worthy of Scheherazade’s most tantalizing tales…”Order “Gentlemen of the Road” HERERead Chapter OneHEREFYI: “Gentlemen of the Road” was originally serialized in the New York Times Magazine (January-May 2007).

“Dreamsongs: Volume I” by George R. R. Martin. Release Date: October 30, 2007. “Dubbed ‘the American Tolkien’ by Time Magazine, #1 New York Times-bestselling author GRRM is a giant in the field of fantasy literature and one of the most exciting storytellers of our time. Now he delivers a rare treat for readers: a compendium of his shorter works, collected into two stunning volumes that offer fascinating insight into his journey from young writer to award-winning master.” “Dreamsongs: Volume II” is due out November 11, 2007…Official George R. R. Martin WebsiteOrder “Dreamsongs: Volume I” HERERead An ExcerptHERE

“A War of Gifts: An Ender Story” by Orson Scott Card. Release Date: October 30, 2007. Returning to the popular Enderverse series that brought readers the Hugo & Nebula Award-winning “Ender’s Game” and “Speaker for the Dead”, Orson Scott Card (The Tales of Alvin Maker, Wyrms, Ultimate Iron Man) offers a treat for his fans with the novella “A War of Gifts”, which is “set during Ender's first years at the Battle School where it is forbidden to celebrate religious holidays…”Official Orson Scott Card Website

“The Orphan's Tales: In the Cities of Coin and Spice” by Catherynne M. Valente. Release Date: October 30, 2007. “Every once in a great while a book comes along that reminds us of the magic spell that stories can cast over us–to dazzle, entertain, and enlighten. Welcome to the Arabian Nights for our time–a lush and fantastical epic guaranteed to spirit you away from the very first page…” “In the Cities of Coin and Spice” is the conclusion to the 2006 James Tiptree, Jr. Award-winning “In the Night Garden”…Official Catherynne M. Valente WebsiteOrder “The Orphan's Tales: In the Cities of Coin and Spice” HERERead An ExcerptHERE

“The Third Lynx” by Timothy Zahn. Release Date: October 30, 2007. A New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award–winning author of more than thirty original science fiction titles (Conqueror’s Trilogy) and dozens of short stories, Timothy Zahn also wrote the YA Dragonback series (named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults) and a number of Star Wars novels including “Heir to the Empire”, the bestselling Star Wars spin-off novel of all time. “The Third Lynx” is the sequel to 2005’s “Night Train to Rigel”…Tor-Forge’s Timothy Zahn PageOrder “The Third Lynx” HERE

“Empyre” by Josh Conviser. Release Date: October 30, 2007. In addition to working as an executive consultant on HBO’s television series Rome and developing projects as a screenwriter/producer including a film for Fox, Princeton grad Josh Conviser is also an author who debuted in 2006 with the science fiction thriller “Echelon”. In the sequel “Empyre”, Mr. Conviser continues to explore a near future that “is fascinating to imagine — and terrifying, because we might just be heading for it…"Official Josh Conviser WebsiteOrder “Empyre” HERERead An ExcerptHERE

“Queen Ferris” by S.C. Butler. Release Date: October 30, 2007. Second volume in The Stoneways fantasy trilogy from new author S.C. Butler, “Queen Ferris” continues the epic adventure that began in last year’s “Reiffen’s Choice”. The Stoneways is described as “a trilogy about innocence and struggle” and has been compared to Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance series, The Once and Future King, Artemis Fowl, and Raymond E. Feist’s Magician. “It will be an experience you will never forget…”Official S.C. Butler WebsiteOrder “Queen Ferris” HERERead Chapter OneHEREWatch Tobias S. Buckell’sInterview with S.C. ButlerHERE

“Halo: Contact Harvest” by Joseph Staten. Release Date: October 30, 2007. With Halo 3 just released for the Xbox 360, now’s the perfect time for “Contact Harvest”, the fifth novel set in the Halo universe. Written by Joseph Staten, a video game writer/designer whose credits include Halo, Halo 2, Myth, and Oni, “Contact Harvest” is set 27 years before the events of the original Halo game and tells the story of the United Nations Space Command’s first encounter with the alien Covenant on the colony world of Harvest…Official Halo WebsiteOrder “Halo: Contact Harvest” HERE

“Sepulchre” by Kate Mosse. UK Release Date: October 31, 2007. Following up a multi-million selling international No. 1 bestseller (Labyrinth) that has been translated into 35 languages, published in 40 countries, won Richard & Judy's Best Read at the 2006 British Book Awards and chosen as one of Waterstone's Top 100 novels of the past twenty five years is no easy feat but author Kate Mosse gives it a go in “Sepulchre”, “a haunting mystery of revenge and obsession, set against the rich backdrop of southern France…”Official Sepulchre WebsiteOrder “Sepulchre” HERE

Thanks everyone! Glad you're enjoying it and that putting it together is not a total waste of time ;)

Lawrence, I love Clive Barker so that one is probably at the top of my list, but I'm also really looking forward to McCammon's new one, the Michael Chabon novel, etc. To be honest, I'd like to get to most of the books on the list at some point, but that will take a lot of reading ;)

Screech, I think I missed out on getting an arc of "The Sword-Edged-Blonde" but I'll probably pick up a copy anyways and I'll be reading "God's Demon" soon, so look out for that :D